Tala vs. Gymshark: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Tala is known for its minimalist, versatile activewear made from sustainable materials, positioning it as a premium, eco-conscious choice. In contrast, Gymshark focuses on bold, trend-driven designs and performance fabrics at a more accessible price point, appealing to a younger, fitness-focused audience.

Let's compare them side-by-side to help you decide which brand best fits your style, budget, and values.

Tala: Sustainable & Minimalist Activewear

Tala is a British activewear brand that has built its identity on sustainability and ethical production. They appeal to consumers who want high-quality, stylish gear without compromising on environmental responsibility. Their aesthetic is clean, modern, and understated, with collections featuring neutral tones that are designed to be worn both in and out of the gym.

• Product mix: Their core offerings include leggings, sports bras, hoodies, and accessories made from eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range to premium category, with most items priced between $50 and $120. This reflects the higher cost of sustainable fabrics and ethical manufacturing.
• Quality & Materials: This is Tala's biggest strength. They use durable, high-quality sustainable fabrics that feel soft yet supportive and are built to last, reducing the need for new purchases.
• Style: Features sleek, minimalist designs with simple lines and muted, neutral color palettes. The look is timeless and versatile, easily transitioning to casual wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true to size with a focus on a comfortable, flattering fit. Some shoppers note the sizing can be slightly generous compared to more compressive brands.
• Sustainability: The brand is a leader in eco-friendly activewear. They are transparent about their supply chain, use certified recycled materials, and utilize eco-friendly packaging.

Tala is ideal for the environmentally-conscious shopper who values longevity and a timeless, minimalist aesthetic over fast-fashion trends.

Shop Tala: tala.co.uk

Gymshark: The Trendy Performance Powerhouse

Gymshark has become a global force in fitness apparel by leveraging social media and creating a massive community around its brand. They are known for functional, performance-oriented activewear that embraces current trends, appealing primarily to a Millennial and Gen Z demographic that wants to look good while they train.

• Product mix: An extensive range of leggings, shorts, sports bras, t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories designed for various types of workouts.
• Price point: Highly accessible, with most products falling between $20 and $70. Their direct-to-consumer model allows them to keep prices competitive.
• Quality & Materials: Focuses on performance fabrics with features like moisture-wicking technology and four-way stretch. The quality is good for the price, though it doesn't prioritize sustainable materials to the same degree as Tala.
• Style: Known for bold, streetwear-inspired designs with vibrant colors, prominent logo placements, and body-sculpting fits. They frequently release new collections to keep up with trends.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally offers a consistent, body-hugging fit designed to enhance shape and support movement. They offer a broad size range, including plus sizes, making the brand accessible to more body types.
• Sales: Holds major sales events several times a year, like their famous Black Friday sale, offering significant discounts that attract budget-conscious buyers.

Gymshark excels at providing affordable, fashionable, and functional activewear for fitness enthusiasts who value performance and a trend-conscious look.

Shop Gymshark: gymshark.com

Tala vs. Gymshark Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Gymshark is significantly more affordable, with leggings often starting around $30-$50 and sports bras under $40. Their business model is built on volume and accessibility, and frequent sales make their products even more budget-friendly.

Tala operates in a higher price bracket, with leggings typically costing between $75 and $110. This premium price is a direct result of their commitment to sustainable materials, ethical factory conditions, and durable construction. While Gymshark offers better upfront value, Tala aims to provide better long-term value through products that last longer.

Quality & Materials

Tala’s core focus is on eco-conscious materials like recycled polyester (Q-NOVA®) and organic cotton. These fabrics are chosen for their small environmental footprint as well as their soft feel and durability. The construction quality is high, intended for longevity to promote a "buy less, buy better" mindset.

Gymshark’s materials are engineered for performance. They extensively use fabrics with sweat-wicking properties, seamless construction to reduce chafing, and four-way stretch for maximum mobility during intense workouts. While generally durable, their fabrics are not primarily chosen for sustainability, which is a key trade-off between the two brands.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is a major differentiator. Tala's aesthetic is minimalist, modern, and chic. Think muted earth tones, blacks, and grays in sleek, simple silhouettes that can be worn for a yoga class or paired with a sweatshirt for a casual outing. Their branding is subtle and understated.

Gymshark’s style is bold, energetic, and heavily branded. They use vibrant color palettes, trendy patterns, and prominent logos. Their designs are made to stand out in the gym and often feature contouring details to enhance the physique. If you want to make a statement, Gymshark is the way to go.

Fit & Sizing

Tala's clothing generally fits true to size and prioritizes comfort alongside a flattering silhouette. The fit is often described as supportive but not overly compressive, making it great for everyday wear as well as light-to-moderate exercise.

Gymshark's fit is famously body-hugging and compressive, designed to sculpt the body and provide maximum support during high-impact activities. Many of their collections are known for this signature compressive fit. Gymshark also has a more inclusive size range, actively offering plus sizes where Tala's range is more limited.

Sustainability & Ethics

Tala is the clear winner in this category. Sustainability is the foundation of their brand, from materials and production to packaging. They provide detailed transparency reports and are constantly working to reduce their environmental impact. If shopping ethically is your main priority, Tala is one of the best on the market.

Gymshark has taken steps toward becoming more sustainable, such as incorporating recycled materials into some products, but it is not their primary mission. Their focus remains on providing accessible performance-wear, and their level of transparency and commitment does not yet match Tala’s.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver excellent products, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.

Choose Tala if:

• Sustainability and ethical production are your top priorities.
• You prefer a minimalist, timeless style with neutral colors.
• You want activewear that is versatile enough for both workouts and casual daily wear.
• You are willing to invest in higher-quality, durable pieces that will last for years.

Choose Gymshark if:

• You are shopping on a budget and love finding a good deal during sales.
• You enjoy bold, trendy styles and vibrant colors that stand out.
• You need high-performance, compressive gear specifically for intense training sessions.
• You appreciate a wider range of sizes and fits, including plus-size options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tala or Gymshark more expensive?

Tala is more expensive than Gymshark. Tala's prices for leggings and sports bras are often double those of Gymshark, which reflects their investment in sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices.

Which brand is better for sustainability?

Tala is unequivocally the better choice for sustainability. Its entire business model is built around eco-friendly materials, transparency, and ethical production, whereas Gymshark is just beginning to integrate sustainable practices into its much larger operation.

Does Tala or Gymshark have better quality?

This depends on your definition of quality. Tala's materials are generally more durable and luxurious-feeling, designed for longevity. Gymshark offers excellent performance quality for its price, with fabrics engineered specifically for tough workouts, but they may not hold up for as many years as Tala's pieces.

How does the sizing compare between Tala and Gymshark?

Tala generally fits true to size with a comfortable, less compressive feel. Gymshark runs more body-hugging and compressive, and many customers recommend sizing up if they are between sizes or prefer a looser fit. Gymshark also offers a more extensive size range.

Which brand is better for high-intensity workouts?

Gymshark is typically recommended for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), weightlifting, and other demanding workouts due to its compressive fit, secure fabrics, and sweat-wicking technology. Tala is better suited for activities like yoga, Pilates, and everyday wear.

Do both brands have sales?

Yes, but Gymshark's sales are much more frequent and well-known. Gymshark holds several major sale events each year with deep discounts, while Tala’s promotions are less commonplace.

Which brand has a better aesthetic?

This is entirely subjective. If you prefer a minimalist, chic, and understated look, you'll prefer Tala. If you like a bold, athletic, and trendy style with prominent branding, Gymshark is the brand for you.

Can I wear Tala clothes for things other than working out?

Absolutely. Tala's versatile and minimalist designs make their pieces perfect for integrating into a casual, everyday wardrobe. Their hoodies, leggings, and tops are easily styled for running errands or meeting friends.